The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered federal aid to supplement
Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms, flooding, mud and rock slides, and tornadoes on June 14, 2003,
and continuing.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home
repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other
programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the
effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to Commonwealth and eligible
local governments on a cost-share basis for the repair or replacement
of public facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mud and
rock slides, and tornadoes in the counties of Boyd, Breathitt, Carter,
Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Leslie, Magoffin,
Monroe, Montgomery, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Rowan.

In addition, Federal funding is available on a cost-share basis for
hazard mitigation measures.

Damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional
counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are
completed.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the
designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by
calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing
and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.